By Marc Pfeiffer (Published December 1, 2025 at ICMA.org) Practical technology guidance to improve digital services, manage IT infrastructure,...
local government
TECH UPDATES: Digital Tools for City/County Communications
By Marc Pfeiffer (Published October 1, 2025 at ICMA.org) Technology is rapidly changing how local governments communicate with the public. Here’s...
TECH UPDATES: Technology Policies for Your Community
By Marc Pfeiffer (Published August 1, 2025 at ICMA.org) As a local government leader, technology affects more than just your internal operations....
New Jersey school taxes to rise dramatically in many Ocean and Monmouth school districts
The tax cap in New Jersey has kept annual increases relatively low, but also so low that they have not reflected the natural growth of communities and costs, said Pfeiffer, of the Bloustein School at Rutgers University.
TECH UPDATES: Using Data in Your Local Government: A Guide for Beginners
Like roads and utilities, the collection and analysis of data have become vital tools that enable municipalities to tailor services to their residents. But what does this mean for you and your community? This guide will help you understand how to use information to serve your community better.
NJ watchdog chief owns house in Maryland, teaches in D.C., votes in Tinton Falls
“In person meetings have a value, they provide upfront interaction with the people they represent. It allows more direct participation and provides nuance that can’t be seen or observed or happen when you are on a webinar,” said Marc Pfeiffer, a senior policy fellow at the Bloustein Local Government Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University. “In person requires a little more formality. It requires a better sense of decorum, which is representative of the official nature of what is going on.”
Data shows reduced public participation under virtual-only Lakewood Township meetings
“In person meetings have a value, they provide upfront interaction with the people they represent. It allows more direct participation and provides nuance that can’t be seen or observed or happen when you are on a webinar,” said Marc Pfeiffer, a senior policy fellow at the Bloustein Local Government Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University. “In person requires a little more formality. It requires a better sense of decorum, which is representative of the official nature of what is going on.”
Montclair Holiday Party to Honor Town Manager Raises Eyebrows
“On this surface, this appears to strike a balance. It’s something they’ve done before,” Pfeiffer said. The employees likely have been buffeted by management changes with the governing body changes over the last year. You always have some people who may not like the idea. But here, the phrase ‘don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good applies.”
Why are more and more local governments communicating through public relations firms?
“This is a property tax appeal,” said Marc Pfeiffer, a municipal finance expert and assistant director at the Bloustein Local Government Research Center at Rutgers University. It boils down to “what is the calculation for square footage.”
Residents want Lakewood Township Committee meetings to be in person again. Town says no.
“This is a property tax appeal,” said Marc Pfeiffer, a municipal finance expert and assistant director at the Bloustein Local Government Research Center at Rutgers University. It boils down to “what is the calculation for square footage.”
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